The Carnival of El Callao – World Cultural Heritage
The Carnival of El Callao, inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, is a vibrant celebration that blends Venezuelan, Caribbean, and African traditions.
Held annually in the mining town of El Callao, this colourful festival features calypso music, elaborate costumes, and joyful street parades.
Rooted in the history of 19th-century migrants from the Caribbean, the carnival showcases a unique cultural fusion and fosters a strong sense of identity and community pride.
From Venezuela to London
Luzmira Zerpa is a prolific Venezuelan singer-songwriter based in the UK, celebrated for her soulful voice and magnetic stage presence.
Her music is a rich tapestry of sound, blending the folkloric traditions of Latin America with global influences like Afrobeat, blues, and jazz. With Family Atlantica, she earned critical acclaim and was named Best Newcomer by Songlines Magazine in 2015.
After spending time in El Callao researching its music and traditions, Luzmira brings the Calypso Ambassadors to celebrate Venezuela’s unique calypso sound. With vibrant Venezuelan percussion, the strumming of the iconic cuatro, and the genre’s distinctive lyrical style, the Calypso Ambassadors honours a defiant sound rooted in African and Caribbean influences—now a cultural emblem of El Callao.
Musicians: Monserrat Monsanto, Kenton San Bernard, Thomas Gazzaneo, Wilfred Hurtado, Edulis Lopez, Pablo Barrios, Jaia Yglesias Zerpa.
Directly from the carnival floats of El Callao Family Ground and Fundación Kenton San Bernard.
The Carnival of El Callao has been part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage since 2016. On the night, visuals from El Callao carnival by photographer Ignacio Crespo, Venezuelan sociologist, film producer and photographer. His work is focused on the city’s music scene and street arts. In 2009, he filmed El Callao’s famous carnival — and tonight, that footage will be screened for the first time—and a full-on carnival DJ session will keep you dancing the night away.

Celebrating a Legend: Isidora Agnes
This Movimientos event poster, designed by Mao Orsini, pays vibrant tribute to the iconic Isidora Agnes — activist, cultural icon, and known as the queen of El Calypso del Callao.
Isidora lit up various stages across Venezuela, bringing calypso to audiences nationwide. Beyond the music, she was also a prominent spokesperson for the people of El Callao and continuously fought for their rights.
This poster honours her powerful legacy — both as an artist and as a voice for her community.